Handling toddler obsession when it's technically something positive
Okay, so I don't know what to do here or if im handling this well. My son loves to play outside. I love that for him, I'm a big outdoors person. I know it's really good for his physical and mental development. This makes me feel like I should almost never say no to going outside. So I rarely do during the day, as long as it's not storming. The problem is, now I'm worried he's too used to getting his way here. Anytime we don't go outside, he has a major tantrum. Times when it's storming or dark out make no difference. Sometimes I need to delay him going out, so I can eat a meal or even be outside but not playing (like walking the dog), and that ends in tantrums as well. Those times I really don't know what to do. I feel like I shouldn't be giving into tantrums, as that sets bad precidents, but what if I was already planning to? I'm basically wondering if it's okay to take him out whenever he wants, and just ride out tantrums other times, or if I need to set more boundaries? I just don't want to set him or myself up for failure.
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I'm having the same problem in other areas. Mine is books, I love that she wants to read so much. But it's almost constant, and if I have to finish cleaning or want to sit and drink a glass of water...Heaven forbid I don't read right that second. I've just been riding it out, and they seem to be lessening. But I'm also not sure what the right way to handle it is. I don't want to discourage her from reading or wanting to read with me. But I feel there should be boundaries or at least an opportunity to redirect or say no.
I think we are just in this phase right now. Mine has tantrums all the time and if I can't do what he wants I just stick to what I say and redirect him. Most of the time he gets over it quickly.
idk if this will help. My LO also wants to be outside 24/7 and will throw a big tantrum if she can't. During the winter this was a big deal 🥶😬 I started a going outside routine. Clothes, coat, socks, and shoes and hat. If she wanted to go outside I would sing(cause she pays attention when I sing 😅) the list of things that had to happen. If she refused a step like her coat I would say ok then how about we color instead or read a book, etc. Now if I say we have to eat lunch first she no longer throws a tantrum and seems to understand that it will happen later and only after we are dressed for outside. The downside is once her shoes are on I must be ready to walk out the door ASAP or she throws a big tantrum.
@Sarah I'll try that. Thank you!
I heard someone say in this kind of scenario, (and it often works for us!), using outdoors as an example:
I would LOVE to go outside with you! I’m doing the dishes right now, but let’s go outside when I’m done!
I find the more enthusiastic I am with the first sentence, the more it prevents or curbs the toddler freakouts!
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